Tough? Not Really.
January 27th, 2010 | 
Author: I never once considered myself one of those women who would put her career before her family. Not even an option as far as I’m concerned. Family is the number 1 priority. Quite honestly, its the only priority.
I found out a couple of weeks ago that I was being permanently switched to working the 3p-3am shift. Those of you that have been my friends for awhile know that I used to love this shift. When my kids were younger. And the age gap between them wasn’t so noticeable.
I wasn’t asked if I wanted to switch. I wasn’t even told. I noticed the change in my schedule and I asked my supervisor. When she said it was a done deal, I broke down. I don’t cry at work. Actually, I try not to cry at work unless I’m locked in the bathroom.
Working pm’s just isn’t working for my family anymore. Now that Taylor is in high school, she likes to do things with friends. Which means she doesn’t need to get picked up until 10pm or sometimes a little later. If I’m working, Travis has to get Seth dressed and take him out. Once that little boy gets his second wind, he doesn’t fall asleep for anything. When I get home at 4 in the morning, he is often still awake waiting for me to get home. Did I mention that he has Pre-K that starts at 9am? I’m sure you can see the problem here.
I asked about switching back to my 3am-3pm shift. I can do it. But it means giving up being a charge nurse.
I didn’t realize just how much that would effect (or affect) me. Sorry Sarah…I’ll never learn that English rule 
I really agonized over this decision. Travis and I had several talks. I went to both kids and asked them. Taylor wanted me home, so did Seth. So why is this such a hard decision?
Its because as much as I bitch about the stress and the micromanaging that I’m under. I’m a good charge nurse. My staff loves me. I’m fair when it comes to making assignments, I answer call lights, I do whatever I can to help my team. I make a difference.
I called home last week to say good night. Seth wouldn’t talk to me. I could hear him tell Travis that he was mad at me because I wasn’t home to tuck him in and read his book.
That broke my heart. And it made my decision.
The next day I went into work early and gave my answer. I am no longer going to be a charge nurse. I will go back to floor nursing. I will still make a difference.
I can’t believe I ever had to think twice about this.
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Hopefully someone will get that resume for you and you can get a better job that doesn’t totally eff you.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Things I Love: Sixteen =-.
I know how you feel. When I started my job I was working the 12pm-10pm shift. I loved it. Until my kids started school. At the time the rules stated that we would cover 7p-10p, other than that we could fill in our 40 hours any way we wanted. I just couldn’t do it anymore.
I started coming in at 730a and leaving at 530p, wondering how long it would be before anyone questioned it, that was in July of 2005. I figured there was a hiring freeze so they probably wouldn’t fire me. Not only did they never say anything to me about it, they’ve since hired two more people and never mentioned the 7-10p requirement. So I guess I dodged a bullet on that one! But I did think about it for a long time, since I lost my shift differential pay by changing my shift. That extra money would have really been nice, but I’ve never regretted the schedule change.
.-= Nobody™´s last blog ..Dutch Treats! =-.
As you know, Paul is going to 3p to 11p shift starting Feb. 8th. It is going to totally suck ass, major major donkey ass! I AM NOT looking forward to it at all. It’s amazing how much things like this can totally and 100% disrupt your entire life.
My saving grace, the light at the end of the tunnel if you will, is that his company has done this before and eventually they go back to 12 hr shifts (7-7).
I’m sorry that you had to make such a tough decision but am glad that you eventually chose exactly what is right for you and your family.
Also, this article at Grammar Girl is really helpful with the effect/affect conundrum!
And, you will be helping both teams. I know it sucks, but as moms we all do this from time to time. I am cancelling a job interview so that C can go to a job interview, because realistically it is not feasible to pick my entire family up and make us move 8 hours away. So, again I’ve given up what I really want to do, but in the end my family (and your too!) are my top priority.
And, I’m sure if you made an outstanding charge nurse, you will make an excellent floor nurse again. It doesn’t mean a pay cut does it??
.-= Becca´s last blog ..C has an interview!! =-.
Reminds me of the coworker I just had whom said I shouldn’t teach with my daughter on my hip… Moms need fulfillment too that is why it’s a hard decision.
You want to be there for your family but you also need to feel like you are still a person with a purpose…
.-= Talina´s last blog ..I can’t find the on-off brain switch! =-.
In the end, our decisions and choices are a clear reflection of our values. And as long as someone owns that, they live in integrity as far as I’m concerned.
For the record, though, I would have respected either decision because it was made carefully.
You’re wonderful mom and one hell of a smart woman. *hug*
.-= Aravis´s last blog ..Why the Hate? =-.
hey, you’re still making a difference! it’s taking effect at home.
your family will appreciate your decision.
good luck on being the best damn floor nurse at the hospital!
.-= MissMadHatter´s last blog ..left with a vacant expression. =-.